ALAN HANCOCK SENTENCED IN OSWESTRY FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING YOUTH AND BOY

In a case that has shocked the community of Oswestry, Alan Robert Hancock was sentenced to more than five years in prison after being found guilty of serious sexual offenses involving a young victim and a minor boy. The proceedings took place at Shrewsbury Crown Court, where the court considered detailed social and psychiatric reports before delivering the sentence.

Judge Peter Barrie addressed the court, emphasizing the vulnerability of the rape victim, who was significantly younger than Hancock and had been deeply distressed by the traumatic experience. The judge highlighted the severe psychological impact on the victim, describing it as an aggravating factor that compounded the seriousness of the offense.

Furthermore, the court acknowledged the gravity of the second offense, which involved a seven-year-old boy. This act was characterized as a blatant abuse of trust, especially given the young age of the victim and the circumstances under which the assault occurred. Hancock’s actions demonstrated a clear breach of moral and legal boundaries, prompting the court to impose a substantial custodial sentence.

Hancock, who resides on Upper Church Street in Oswestry, was sentenced to a total of five years and six months behind bars for the offenses committed over two years ago. In addition to his prison term, he was subjected to a sexual harm prevention order, restricting his future conduct, and was ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely, ensuring ongoing monitoring and public safety.

Prosecutor Sharonjit Bahia revealed that Hancock initially denied the allegations of rape, which led to a trial that commenced in November of the previous year. However, Hancock changed his plea to guilty before the victim, who was over 16 at the time, was called to testify. The second incident, involving the young boy approaching his eighth birthday, occurred prior to the victim’s police complaint.

Miss Bahia explained that Hancock had initially denied the sexual assault, claiming he was merely 'putting the boy to bed' while kneeling and touching him over his clothing at a residence in Oswestry between September and December 2015. It was only later that Hancock admitted to the assault, confirming the allegations against him.

This case underscores the ongoing concerns about safeguarding vulnerable individuals and the importance of justice in cases of sexual abuse within local communities like Oswestry.